Well, excuse me but I'm afraid I don't understand the question. It asks that if I think education is more important than a lot of distinctions, correct?I don't get the meaning of "distinction" here.

Yahoo dictionary says:1. The act of distinguishing; differenciation.2. The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference.3. A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic.4-a. Excellence or eminence, as of performance, character, or reputation.4-b. A special feature or quality conferring superiority.5. Recognition of achievement or superiority; honor.

The next person will kindly explain the meaning of the question to me. Thank you in advance !

It asks that if I think education is more important than a lot of distinctions, correct?

No, wrong.

The next person thinks there is more to education than a just getting a string of distinctions.

It is saying there are things in (the area of) education that are more important than distinctions (such as learning).

I think a full understanding of the statement requires understanding of [American Culture: Colleges and Universities]. That would help you understand better what a (definition #5) distinction is. I wonder if Japanese students earn distinctions in college. Wrong thread for that type of question though.

Nilecatさん、sorry for the confusion.In short, F=fail , A* (star) or A = distinctions (90 marks and above)And, no "a" there --- The next person thinks there is more to education than just getting a string of distinctions.Sorry!

I do spend my spare time in gardening at my brother's place, occasionally.

SS, I hope you don't mind me correcting you, but you don't need the 'in' between the words time and gardening. Perhaps you alreay knew that. Sorry if you don't need me to correct you. Please forgive me! Only trying to help!!